TEXAS ROADS (A Miller's Creek Novel Book 1) (29 page)

Her heart thudded to a stop. “What makes you say that?”

“Because you were happy there, at least until I came and messed things up.” She reached for a tissue and swabbed her eyes which had filled with fresh tears. “Beth and I had a chance to get to know each other again after you left. I’d forgotten how sweet she could be.”

“She is wonderful. I wouldn’t have found my way to God had it not been for her.” Dani ducked her head, the tormenting questions still rolling in her head. “Did you know the man who…?”

Mother nodded her head. “Your biological father? Yes. Beth and I had a long talk and she told me the whole story. He was later imprisoned for doing the same thing to someone else. He’s dead.”

A breath shuddered from her. The decision about whether she should contact him had been taken from her. Dani searched her mother’s face. “Thanks for telling me. As for returning to Miller’s Creek, God’s plan may be for me to stay in Dallas.”

Her mother’s smile was genuine, her eyes crinkling at the corners. “I don’t think so, dear.” She patted her hand. “There’s a very special man who needs you in Miller’s Creek.”

Chapter Thirty-One

S
teve traipsed up the steps to the front porch of Mama Beth’s house early Tuesday morning, not surprised that she wasn’t in her usual spot in the rocking chair. Since Dani had left, she rarely ventured out of the house, choosing instead to stay inside close to the phone. He couldn’t blame her. Thoughts of Dani consumed him, made worse by yesterday’s pointless trip to Dallas. Not knowing what had happened to her was the worst possible torture.
Lord, keep her safe and draw her close to You. And let her call soon.

He found Mama Beth in the chair next to the living room window, her eyes distant and swollen. Peering across the room at her the ache in his heart grew heavier. She’d aged at least a year in the past week.

The phone shrilled, shattering the silence, and she dragged herself from the chair. “Hello?” A trembling hand fluttered to her chest and tears slipped down her weathered cheeks.

Dani? He moved to Mama Beth’s side and braced her up with an arm around her shoulders.

“I’m so sorry, Dani. Please forgive me. Please come home.” Mama Beth’s voice trembled with emotion then her muffled sobs answered the question in his heart. She wasn’t coming back. Her tear-stained face took on numb resignation. “I understand. Please know I’m praying for you.” She hung up the phone, her face ashen gray.

“You okay?”

She shook her head. “She’s hurting and I’m to blame.” Her tears started again and she laid her head against his shoulder.

Dani was safe, but not coming back. No chance to apologize, to tell her how much she was missed, to tell her how he felt. Resolve straightened his spine. He’d travel wherever to make things right. “Where is she?”

Mama Beth dabbed her cheeks with a tissue, her voice void of hope. “She didn’t say.” She took two steps toward the chair then stopped and clutched her head. “Steve, I—”

The last words she spoke before she crumpled to the floor.

* * *

Dani checked the gas gauge and steered onto the road which led to Miller’s Creek—half a tank—more than enough to get home. A late summer batch of Black-eyed Susans dotted the roadside. Laughter gurgled in her throat as a pasture of cows came into view. She rolled down the window and allowed the rich earthy scent to filter through the car.

A smile planted itself on her face as she remembered the first trip to Miller’s Creek and the dirty cowboy who’d rescued her. A brief moment of apprehension shuttled through her system. It was time to be completely honest with him, but would he understand why she’d tried to cover up her involvement in the renovations? Her deception had been wrong. She knew that now. A choice she’d made based on fear and self-protection.

Half an hour later, she drove into Miller’s Creek, her heart lighter than it had been in weeks. The familiar country cottages, decked in fresh paint, lined both sides of the road like old friends waiting for her return. Colorful banners for the Autumn Daze Festival traversed the road announcing the dates for the upcoming event. The irony of the moment sent off waves of gratitude. Reborn and renewed, she and Miller’s Creek had both risen from the ashes to a new life.

Dani pulled into the gravel parking lot of B&B Hardware, half in dread, half in anticipation. A couple of bottles of root beer for her and Mama Beth might make the task before them a bit easier. She gulped a deep breath, praying this visit would open the door for mended friendships.

The bell clanked to announce her arrival, and she blinked to adjust to the darkness. She took a tentative step forward, the wooden floors creaking out a welcome.

“Miss Dani!” She heard J.C. before she saw him. “Boy, are you a sight for sore eyes.”

She threw herself into his outstretched arms. “Oh, J.C., I’ve missed you, too.” Smiling, she drew back to peer into his kind eyes. But instead she saw worry.

“I guess you came because of Mama Beth. The whole town is praying for her.”

Her breath froze in her throat. “What are you talking about?”

“I’m sorry, I thought you knew. She collapsed yesterday, but thankfully Steve was there when it happened. They rushed her to Morganville.”

She didn’t wait to hear more.

* * *

Dani reached Morganville General in record time, the prayer she’d prayed all the way still reverberating in her brain.
Lord, help me not to be too late
.

Her cheeks damp with tears, she hurried inside and made her way to the nurse’s station. “Can I help you?”

“Yes, I’m looking for Mona Beth Adams’ room.”

“Dani?”

At the sound of Steve’s voice her heart quickened and she pivoted to meet his gaze. He towered in the doorway of the waiting room, a tortured expression on his fatigue-lined face, a day’s worth of stubble shadowing his jaw. With long strides, he closed the distance between them and enveloped her in his arms, his lips against her hair. “I’m so glad you’ve come home.”

She allowed herself to enjoy the strength and security of his embrace before she tugged herself away and searched his eyes. The sorrow she glimpsed there sent rivers of fear pulsing through her veins. “Mama Beth? Is—?”

“She’s okay.”

Dani closed her eyelids, her knees like rubber.
Thank You, God.
Her eyes fluttered open to find his steady gaze trained on her face.
“What happened?”

He positioned an arm around her and helped her to a chair in the waiting room. “She collapsed yesterday morning. The doctor thinks it’s just stress-related, but they’re running some tests to make sure. He’s in with her now. They ran me out of the room until they’re finished.”

With a groan she brought a hand to her mouth. “This is my fault.”

Steve grabbed her shoulders and forced her to look him in the face. “No, it’s not. If it’s anyone’s fault, it’s mine.” With surgical precision his long-lashed eyes probed hers, the intensity both thrilling and excruciating. “I’ll be right back.” His words husky but determined, he strode from the waiting area and returned with two cans of soft drink.

She stared at the can he offered then tilted her head toward him. Did he remember the day of Mama Beth’s surgery?

A tender hint of a smile played on his lips. “It’s my turn.”

He
did
remember. Overcome with emotion, she managed to croak out a “thank you” before she popped open the drink and took a sip, the fizzy liquid tickling her nose. She let out her typical carbonated drink hiccup. “I’m so relieved you were at her house when she collapsed.” She shivered. “I don’t want to think about what might have happened if—”

“Don’t play the what-if game. God put me there at the right time. That’s all that matters.” A nerve pulsed in his jaw and his Adam’s apple bobbed, revealing the depths of his concern.

“Thank you for taking such good care of her. It means a lot to me.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

She smiled remembering her trip into town. “Miller’s Creek looks great.”

A frown creased his forehead and he lowered his head. “Yes.”

She puzzled over the change in his demeanor. Had there been more trouble? “Is everything okay? Has there been any more vandalism?”

A half smile softened his face and he shook his head. “No. We caught the guy. Seems he was a little miffed he didn’t get the bid for some of the construction work.”

The silence grew thick then he cleared his throat and looked her in the eyes. “I know she’s your mother.”

The softly spoken words unleashed a flurry of unexpected feelings, and she ducked her head to escape his scrutiny. Mama Beth had told him, but not her? She steadied her nerves with a deep breath and turned to face him. “It’s wonderful and scary at the same time. I mean, who wouldn’t be delighted to have Mama Beth as their mother? It answers so many questions, but it—”

“—also creates more?” Compassion and understanding shone from his expression.

She nodded, momentarily unable to speak, amazed at how he knew her thoughts. “At first I was just so hurt and confused.”

“I can understand that.” He tucked a stray curl behind her ear then crumpled his dark brows. “I know it’s none of my business, but where did you go? I even went to Dallas to find you.”

Her heart seized then lightened. He hated the city—the traffic, the noise—everything about it. She tilted her head to one side trying to glean meaning from the light in his eyes. “You went to Dallas for me?”

His sheepish smile confirmed her thoughts.

It was time to tell him the news. “I went to Mustang Island. I know I should’ve called, but I couldn’t.”

“Hey, it’s okay.” He squeezed her hand in encouragement. “You needed that time.”

“I did a lot of soul searching.” She left the words hanging intentionally. He of all people should know.

“And?” Like melted caramel candy his eyes softened.

Her heart flooded with assurance, pushing a smile to her face.

Steve twisted his head to one side then grinned and dragged her into his arms. “Oh Dani, I’m so glad. I’ve prayed for you to know Him.”

Her spirit took wing, and she momentarily allowed herself to relax in his embrace. If things worked out like she hoped, there would be time enough later to shelter in his arms. She forced herself to move away, but her joy turned to confusion at his troubled expression.

“What’s wrong?”

He grabbed both her hands then wet his lips. “There’s something I have to tell you, but I don’t know how to say it.” Remorse colored his eyes chocolate brown. “I found out you were adopted before Mama Beth told me. I also know you financed the renovation.”

She searched his face, not understanding.

“I’m sorry.” His voice quaked and his eyes glistened. “I thought you were taking advantage of Mama Beth and trying to sabotage the renovation, so I had you investigated.”

Investigated? She averted her gaze. Though his confession surprised and hurt, his actions were justifiable. He’d only been trying to protect those he loved, and she’d given him plenty of reasons to suspect her.

“Excuse me. Are you here with Miss Adams?” A doctor stood nearby.

“Yes.” Steve spoke, his tone oddly strangled.

“Miss Adams is doing fine. We were concerned about her heart, but all the tests came back negative. We’re going to keep her one more night, and if she does okay, we’ll let her go home in the morning. You can see her now.”

Without a second’s hesitation, Dani broke into a run down the hallway.

* * *

Mama Beth stared at the giant oak tree out the hospital room window, the steady beep of the heart monitor already grating on her nerves. The doctor said he thought it was only a scare. A scare? No, a scare was having the daughter you loved ripped from your life forever. She struggled to breathe, her heart heavy. Where was Dani? Would she ever come back home?

Let it go.

She let out a sigh and prayer.
Yes, Lord, I know I need to let it go. Help me.
She’d clung to the pain with both fists, afraid of releasing the only part of Dani she still had left. Eyes closed and fingers spread wide, she lifted shaky hands to the ceiling then let them drop to her side, the situation with her daughter in God’s capable hands.

The door opened and closed, probably the doctor again, or maybe Steve. She opened her eyelids and turned her head, her breath ratcheting in her throat. “Dani.” She could only whisper her name, afraid the vision would dissipate. But in less than an eye blink, her daughter rested in her arms, tears flowing freely. It wasn’t a dream. Her little girl had come home. She stroked Dani’s golden curls suddenly aware of the miracle. Thirty-five years ago in a hospital room much like this one they’d been separated, but their lives had finally come full circle.

Chapter Thirty-Two

S
teve dismounted and sauntered to the creek, the crisp fall weather leaving a nip in the air. Steam rose from the water and added to the haze of the morning, the fog on his heart just as heavy. He kicked at a stone with the toe of his boot and sent it flying through the air. It landed in the creek with a
plop
and sent ripples scurrying along the surface of the water.

He heaved a disgruntled sigh and parked himself on a large boulder. Dani was finally back in Miller’s Creek after several weeks in Dallas taking care of what Mama Beth called loose ends. At church yesterday, Dani had sent him a smile from the choir loft, but left church without saying so much as a word to him.

How did you tell a woman you loved her so much you could taste it? Steve hurled a rock into the water. Why bother? Why should she trust him again after the way he’d treated her?

A twig snapped behind him and he turned his head.

Dressed in an old pair of blue jeans and a pullover sweater, Dani ambled toward him, smiling at him in a way that sent his heart on a journey to his throat. “Mind if I join you?”

“Not at all.”

She scooted onto the rock beside him, her arm brushing against his. Having her close twisted his insides.

“Pretty day.” She flashed him the look that always made him feel like she knew him better than anyone else.

“Yep.”

Dani whistled then stopped in mid-tune. “In fact, it’s a good day for a barn cleaning, don’t you think?”

He jerked his head toward her, frowning. “Huh?”

A playful grin turned up the corners of her mouth. “Well, you should know what a barn cleaning is. Didn’t you grow up on a ranch?”

Something told him her words had nothing to do with cleaning a barn.

“Well, didn’t you?”

“Look, I don’t know what kind of game your play—”

Dani gave him a stern teacher look. “I’m not playing games, Mr. Miller. Answer the question. Did you or did you not grow up on a ranch?” The left corner of her lips twitched, but she maintained firm control.

He sighed and shook his head, unable to keep the grin from his face. “Yes, teacher.”

“Good. We’re making progress. Now, can you tell me what happens at a barn cleaning?”

A chuckle erupted and rattled his chest. “Well, you, uh...get rid of some pretty smelly stuff.”

“Precisely.”

“So you’re saying we need to get rid of some smelly stuff?” He raised an eyebrow and gave her a sideways glance.

She flashed a smile so bright his throat cinched up like a lasso. “You catch on quick, mister. Why don’t you go first?”

He tipped his hat. “Yes ma’am.”

Dani twisted around and sat crossed-legged facing him, her look suddenly serious.

Steve took one look into her blue eyes and shot a quick plea to heaven for help. “I’m an arrogant old fool, Dani. When you first came here, I was jealous. The whole town fell in love with you, and your ideas for Miller’s Creek were so smart.” He grabbed one of her hands and sheltered it in his own. “I was torn in my feelings toward you. I saw one side of you I loved, but there were so many things that made me doubt you.” He let out a shuddering breath. Could she find it in her heart to forgive him? “I feel horrible for the way I’ve treated you and for having you investigated. I don’t deserve your forgiveness or your friendship, but I’m asking for them all the same.”

She lowered her head for several minutes, her lips pursed. As the silence lengthened, his fear mounted.

When Dani raised her gaze, a storm brewed behind her troubled eyes. “I don’t know how to say this other than to just say it. I’ve been hurt by every man I ever trusted, so I shied away from you, afraid you’d break my heart. I acted in secrecy to protect myself and I know that made you question my motives. I do forgive you, and I ask for your forgiveness in return.” Her eyes flooded with sorrow and her voice softened to a whisper. “But as for being your friend...”

His heart plummeted at her silence, and he braced himself for the words to come, already feeling their sting. He couldn’t blame her for rejecting his friendship.

“I think it’s only fair to tell you...” She paused again as if searching for courage.

He closed his eyes and steeled himself against the prick of her daggered words.

“...that my feelings go a little deeper than friendship.”

His eyes and mouth flew open, the air around him suddenly thin as he took in her precious smile.

A tender light shone from her face. She inched closer, touching her lips to his, their silky softness sending a tremble across his shoulders. How long had he waited for this moment? With a groan, he hugged her closer to him, the hurt, confusion and doubt melting away like a day-old Texas snow.

When they pulled apart a minute later, her eyes glistened with tears. He moved fingers to her dampened cheeks, longing to erase the years of hurt she’d endured.
Lord, help me to be the man she needs me to be.

She giggled through the tears, pointing to his smile. “What’s that for?”

Laughter spilled out of him. “I never knew barn cleaning could be so much fun.”

* * *

In what felt like slow motion, Dani climbed from the car, her mouth hinging open. Paralyzed with delight, she stared out over the hordes of people in downtown Miller’s Creek for the First Annual Autumn Daze Festival. She moved to the middle of Main Street, brought both hands to her face, and circled around. Shoulder-to-shoulder they walked, the sounds of their laughter and chatter carried on the cool breeze.

Around the town square, craft booths rested beneath brightly colored awnings, and the tempting aromas from the food vendors wafted through the air. “You won’t believe it ’til you see it, folks.” The radio announcer’s voice blared from his station in the gazebo. “Downtown Miller’s Creek is bustling once again, just like the good old days. These kind folks have rolled out the red carpet and let me tell you, they know how to throw a party.”

“Hey Dani!” Coot yelled at her from across the street. He and the rest of the Old Geezers congregated outside of Granny’s Kitchen. She waved, gratefully remembering how they’d come to her in the past few weeks with their apologies.

“Have y’all seen Steve?” She raised her hands to megaphone her mouth.

“Sure have.” Ernie called back, but gave no further explanation. After a brief pause, all the men started laughing.

Hands akimbo, she shook her head in mock exasperation. “Very funny. You know what I mean. Now where is he?”

They laughed again and J. C. hollered. “He’s at the creek.”

She sent them a happy wave and set out for the park, the cheerful sounds of the carnival reaching her ears from two blocks away. How was she supposed to find Steve in this throng of people?

Her eyes came to rest on the bridge and her heartbeat settled into a rhythm of peace. She knew right where to look.

Pushing her way through the crowd, she made her way to the depot. By next year, if all went according to plan, the passenger train would be restored, and Miller’s Creek could add an old-fashioned train ride to its list of growing attractions.

She spied Steve’s lanky frame leaning against the old train station and stopped to watch him, amazed by the difference his love had made in her life. He stared across the full parking lot, a contented smile at rest on his face. Her heart danced knowing she’d helped bring his dreams to fruition.

Resuming her walk, she reached calling distance within a few steps. “Hey, stranger.” He looked up, smiling his pleasure. She angled up next to him and threw her arms around his neck.

A happy light shone from Steve’s cinnamon-colored eyes, his lazy grin accelerating her pulse as his arms encircled her waist.

She smiled up at him, tilting her head to one side. “What are you doing over here? Don’t you know there’s a party going on?”

He chuckled, a thrilling melodic sound that curled her toes. “Yeah, it’s kind of hard to miss. But I can’t help thinking that none of it would’ve happened had it not been for a certain woman I know.”

“Oh really? And who might that be?”

Steve’s lips brushed hers with a tender touch. “You know who.” He pulled her to his side, one arm still around her waist, and used his other hand to point. “See that spot right over there? That’s when I first knew.”

“First knew what?”

“That I loved you.” His eyes took on a distant look. “The night of the fire I was so afraid something had happened to you.” A host of emotions traveled across his face.

“You weren’t worried for Miller’s Creek?”

“Of course I was, but I was more concerned about you. That’s how I knew. Any woman who made me care more about her than I cared about this town had to be a pretty special gal, even if she was a city woman.”

She yanked on the brim of his cowboy hat, pulling it down over his eyes. That would teach him to call her a city woman.

He laughed, readjusted his hat, and pulled her back in front of him, his hands resting lightly on her hips. For a moment he didn’t speak, just stared into her eyes. It was something he did frequently and she never tired of it. His expression softened. “You ever wonder where this road’s going to lead?”

“Not any more.”

His eyes filled with questions.

Inexpressible joy started in her toes and worked its way to her face. “I used to wonder about what road I was on all the time. Now I don’t, because God is with me.”

He scooped her up in his strong arms, her pink Ropers barely touching the ground, and gave her a kiss she wouldn’t soon forget.

A road stretched out before both of them. A road that led home
.

THE END

* * *

Thanks for taking the time to read
Texas Roads.
I hope you enjoyed the story as much as I enjoyed writing it.
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